Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Director:

Roy Ward Baker

Writer:

Nigel Kneale (original story and screenplay)

Release Date:

16 February 1968 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi | Horror

Tagline:

All Earth Stands Helpless! Spawned in the depths of outer space -- a monster so horrible, so vicious, so incredible -- even when you see it you won't believe it could be! (U.S. poster)

Plot:

An ancient Martian spaceship is unearthed in London, and proves to have powerful psychic effects on the people around.

Plot Keywords:

London | Martian | Subway | Church | Sequel

Cast

James Donald	...	Dr. Mathew Roney
Andrew Keir	...	Prof. Bernard Quatermass
Barbara Shelley	...	Barbara Judd
Julian Glover	...	Colonel Breen
Duncan Lamont	...	Sladden
Bryan Marshall	...	Captain Potter
Peter Copley	...	Howell
Edwin Richfield	...	Minister
Grant Taylor	...	Police Sergeant Ellis
Maurice Good	...	Sergeant Cleghorn
Robert Morris	...	Jerry Watson
Sheila Steafel	...	Journalist
Hugh Futcher	...	Sapper West
Hugh Morton	...	Elderly Journalist
Thomas Heathcote	...	Vicar

Also Known As:

Five Million Years to Earth (USA)
The Mind Benders

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

Italy:T | UK:15 | UK:12 (re-rating) | USA:Approved (PCA #21860) | West Germany:16 | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Associated British-Pathé

Trivia:

Early UK posters featured an illustration of John Neville as Quatermass, suggesting that he was a one time candidate for the role.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: A minute or so before the end credits roll, as Quatermass is walking away from the devastation, a crew member's hand swings into the right-hand side of the frame and back out again.

Quotes:

Minister of Defense: You realise what you're implying? That we owe our human condition here to the intervention of insects?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Torchwood: End of Days (#1.13)" (2007)

Watch this movie

One of the best Hammer movies. DVD review.

A large bomb-like item is found underground in Hobb's Lane subway station. It turns out to be from Mars, 5 million years ago.

Absolutely amazing movie that must be seen by all sci-fans. Far more intelligent than any sci-fi movie of recent years - the picture discusses how humans may be evolved from beings from Mars. The superb James Donald is the scientist who uncovers the skulls, Quatermass is the military scientist who pieces the mystery together. There's the usual science versus military (and media) theme. Confusing ending but I liked the final shot where Quatermass and his female assistant recover from the nightmare. Far better than any sci-movie from the last few years - this is one classic Hammer picture. One other note: the soundtrack music is one of the best I've ever heard in any movie. Followed by a patchy sequel in the late '70s.

Quatermass And The Pit is a must-see Hammer classic.